Circumferential Seal Assembly with Adjustable Seating Forces

ABSTRACT

A circumferential seal assembly for use between a higher pressure side and a lower pressure side is presented. The seal assembly includes a primary sealing ring, a second sealing ring, a third sealing ring, and an insert. The segmented primary sealing ring sealingly engages both a face sealing surface along a housing and a radial sealing surface along a rotatable element. The insert is disposed within and directly contacts the housing. The second sealing ring is adjacent to the primary sealing ring and sealingly engages both the primary sealing ring and the insert. The segmented third sealing ring contacts and sealingly engages the primary sealing ring opposite the housing. The insert, the second sealing ring, and the third sealing ring cooperate to form a first cavity adjacent to the second sealing ring and the third sealing ring. The primary sealing ring, the second sealing ring, the insert, and the housing cooperate to form a second cavity adjacent to the primary sealing ring. The insert and the second sealing ring separate the first cavity from the second cavity.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/491,189 filed Sep. 5, 2019 entitled Improved Circumferential SealAssembly with Adjustable Seating Forces which is a National Stage entryof PCT Application No. PCT/US2017/030834 filed May 3, 2017 entitledImproved Circumferential Seal Assembly with Adjustable Seating Forceswherein both applications are hereby incorporated herein in theirentirety by reference thereto.

GOVERNMENT SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field

The invention generally relates to a circumferential seal assembly forcontrolling flow of a fluid between adjoining compartments within aturbine engine and more particularly is concerned, for example, withminimizing flow across a sealing surface along a rotatable shaft or arunner that extends into one compartment with a fluid at a higherpressure and into another compartment with another fluid at a lowerpressure.

2. Background

A turbine engine typically includes a housing that defines compartmentstherein and a rotatable shaft with or without a runner that passesthrough the compartments. Adjoining compartments typically separate onefluid from another fluid. In one example, one compartment may include agas, such as combustion byproducts, and another may include a liquid,such as a lubricant. Mixture between the liquid and the gas within onecompartment could compromise the integrity of the sealing assemblythereby adversely effecting performance and function of a gas turbine.As such, adjoining compartments must be isolated from one another bymeans of a sealing system that prevents one fluid, either a liquid or agas, from migrating along a rotatable surface and entering a compartmentso as to mix with another fluid therein. A circumferential seal is oftenimplemented to avoid mixing between fluids and the problems causedthereby.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary circumferential seal 1 knownwithin the art is shown with a garter spring 2 disposed within a groove23 about the circumference of the circumferential seal 1 and a coilspring 8 disposed within a pocket 24 at one side of the circumferentialseal 1. A typical circumferential seal 1 is composed of two or more ringsegments with coil springs 8 and pockets 24 along each segment. Thecircumferential seal 1 is situated between a higher pressure side 21 ata higher pressure P₁ and a lower pressure side 22 at a lower pressureP₀. The garter spring 2 urges the circumferential seal 1 in thedirection of a radial sealing surface 19. The radial sealing surface 19may be disposed along the outer circumference of a shaft or a componentattached to a shaft, one non-limiting example of the latter being arunner. The coil spring 8 urges the circumferential seal 1 in thedirection of a forward sealing surface 11 disposed along the interior ofa housing (not shown) adjacent to the circumferential seal 1.

A forward face 3 of the circumferential seal 1 may sealingly engage theforward sealing surface 11 via cooperation between a radial bleed groove4, a face groove 5, and a face dam 6. A forward pressure 7 iscommunicated across the forward face 3 via a fluid contacting thecircumferential seal 1. The forward pressure 7 imparts a forward faceforce F_(F) in the direction of the higher pressure side 21.

An aft pressure 10 is communicated across an aft face 9 via a fluidcontacting the circumferential seal 1. The aft pressure 10 imparts anaft face force F_(A) in the direction of the lower pressure side 22. Thecoil spring 8 also imparts a spring force F_(S) directed toward thelower pressure side 22.

The total of the aft face force F_(A) and the spring force F_(S) isgreater than or equal to the forward face force F_(F) so that theforward face 3 contacts and sealingly engages the forward sealingsurface 11. In preferred embodiments, the force differential should beminimized to permit inward and outward movement of ring segments so thatthe circumferential seal 1 contracts and expands as required byconditions within a turbine engine.

An inward pressure 14 is communicated across an outer circumferentialsurface 12 via a fluid contacting the circumferential seal 1. The inwardpressure 14 imparts an inward radial force F_(I) in the direction of theradial sealing surface 19. The garter spring 2 also imparts a springforce F_(G) directed toward the radial sealing surface 19.

An inner circumferential surface 13 of the circumferential seal 1 maysealingly engage the radial sealing surface 19 via cooperation between aseal dam 15, a bore groove 16, and an axial bleed groove 17. The sealdam 15 is biased toward the lower pressure side 22. An outward pressure18 is communicated across the inner circumferential surface 13 via afluid contacting the circumferential seal 1. The outward pressure 18imparts an outward radial force F_(O) in the direction away from theradial sealing surface 19.

The total of the inward radial force F_(I) and the spring force F_(G)should be greater than or equal to the outward radial force F_(O) sothat the inner circumferential surface 13 sealingly engages the radialsealing surface 19, preferably via a thin film 20. In other preferredembodiments, the force differential should be minimized to permit inwardand outward movement of ring segments so that the circumferential seal 1contracts and expands as required by conditions within a turbine engine.

Performance and efficiency enhancements to turbine engines often requirehigher pressures and temperatures within the higher pressure side 21 andhigher rotational speeds by the shaft and the radial sealing surface 19thereon. High pressure and temperatures are problematic in that it ismore challenging to properly balance the forward face force F_(F) withrespect to both the aft face force F_(A) and the spring force F_(S) andboth the inward radial force F_(I) and the spring force F_(G) withrespect to the outward radial force F_(O) over a wider range ofoperating conditions.

For example, a circumferential seal 1 optimized for pressures andtemperatures during flight may allow the aft face force F_(A) to greatlyexceed the forward face force F_(F) and/or the inward radial force F_(I)to greatly exceed the outward radial force F_(O) when engine conditionsrequire higher shaft speeds and pressures, such as at takeoff. Theresulting imbalance effectively pins the circumferential seal 1 onto andagainst the face sealing surface 11 and the radial sealing surface 19causing excessive wear to and heating of the circumferential seal 1.

Wear and heating are further problematic in turbine engines that derivegreater performance and higher efficiency via higher shaft speeds. Atextreme conditions, a circumferential seal 1 may permit hot gases fromthe higher pressure side 21 to freely flow into the lower pressure side22 so as to mix with and to cook oil lubricants therein. The end resultscould include an engine fire and/or flow conditions in the direction ofthe sump that blow lubricating oil away from the seal and the sealingsurface.

Accordingly, what is required is a circumferential seal assemblyinterposed between a pair of compartments that minimizes leakage acrossa face sealing surface and a radial sealing surface within a turbineengine operating at higher shaft speeds and pressures.

Accordingly, what is also required is a circumferential seal assemblythat reduces seating forces along a face sealing surface and a radialsealing surface within a turbine engine operating at higher shaft speedsand pressures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a circumferential seal assemblyinterposed between a pair of compartments that minimizes leakage acrossa face sealing surface and a radial sealing surface within a turbineengine operating at higher shaft speeds and pressures.

Another object of the invention is to provide a circumferential sealassembly that reduces seating forces along a face sealing surface and aradial sealing surface within a turbine engine operating at higher shaftspeeds and pressures.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the circumferentialseal assembly includes a primary sealing ring, an insert, a secondsealing ring, and a third sealing ring. The primary sealing ring isdisposed within a housing along a rotatable element. The primary sealingring sealingly engages both a face sealing surface along the housing anda radial sealing surface along the rotatable element. The primarysealing ring includes at least two seal segments. The insert is disposedwithin and directly contacts the housing. The second sealing ring isadjacent to the primary sealing ring. The second sealing ring sealinglyengages the primary sealing ring and the insert. The third sealing ringcontacts and sealingly engages the primary sealing ring opposite ofsealing engagement with the housing. The third sealing ring includes atleast two ring segments. The insert, the second sealing ring, and thethird sealing ring define a first cavity adjacent to the second sealingring and the third sealing ring. The primary sealing ring, the secondsealing ring, the insert, and the housing define a second cavityadjacent to the primary sealing ring. The insert and the second sealingring separate the first cavity from the second cavity.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the rotatableelement is a shaft.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the rotatableelement is a runner disposed along a shaft.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the first cavityis at a higher pressure and the second cavity is at a lower pressure.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the primarysealing ring includes a seal bore dam biased toward the third sealingring and the seal bore dam sealingly engages the radial sealing surface.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the fluidtraverses the radial sealing surface adjacent to the third sealing ringbefore entering the primary sealing ring.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the seal segmentincludes at least one vertical feed groove disposed along an inlet sideand at least one substantially horizontal first channel that traversesthe seal segment between the inlet side and an outlet side so that thevertical feed groove and the first channel permit a fluid originatingfrom the higher pressure side to traverse the seal segment so as toimpinge the face sealing surface.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the seal segmentincludes at least one pocket at the outlet side communicable with atleast one first channel.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the seal segmentincludes at least one second channel communicable at one end with thepocket so that the second channel permits the fluid to reenter the sealsegment for communication at another end of the second channel onto theradial sealing surface.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, a plurality ofhydrodynamic grooves is disposed along the radial sealing surfaceadjacent to the primary sealing ring so that the hydrodynamic groovesredirect the fluid exiting the second channel onto the primary sealingring.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the seal segmentincludes at least one vent channel communicable at one end with theradial sealing surface and at another end with the second cavity so thatthe vent channel permits the fluid to traverse the seal segment beforeentering the second cavity.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, a plurality ofhydrodynamic grooves are disposed along the radial sealing surfaceadjacent to the primary sealing ring so that the hydrodynamic groovesdirect the fluid onto the primary sealing ring.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the seal segmentincludes at least one vent channel communicable at one end with a gapinterposed between the seal segment and the radial sealing surface andat another end with the second cavity so that the vent channel permitsthe fluid to traverse the seal segment and enter the second cavity.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the housingincludes at least one exhaust port that permits the fluid to exit thesecond cavity.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, a gap isinterposed between the second sealing ring and the third sealing ring.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, a fluidoriginating from the higher pressure side traverses the first cavity andpasses around the second sealing ring before entering the second cavity.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the seal segmentincludes a vertical flange at one end of a horizontal flange so that thevertical flange sealingly engages the face sealing surface.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, a resultantpressure force along the face sealing surface increases when a radialheight of the vertical flange is reduced by a radial adjustment.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, a resultantpressure force along the face sealing surface decreases when a radialheight of the vertical flange is increased by a radial adjustment.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, a resultantpressure force along the radial sealing surface increases when thesecond sealing ring is adjusted toward the lower pressure side.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, a resultantpressure force along the radial sealing surface decreases when thesecond sealing ring is adjusted away from the lower pressure side.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the radialsealing surface is disposed along an outer circumferential surface ofthe rotatable element.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the radialsealing surface is disposed along an inner circumferential surface ofthe rotatable element.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the third sealingring is comprised of a metal and biased in the direction of the primarysealing ring via a spring. The spring is disposed between and directlycontacts the third sealing ring and a retaining ring secured to thehousing. An annular gap is disposed between the third sealing ring andthe rotatable element.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the primarysealing ring is biased outward in the direction of the rotatable elementvia a plurality of springs.

In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, the insert isintegral with the housing.

Several exemplary advantages are possible. The invention facilitatescircumferential sealing which minimizes wear along a face sealingsurface, between a primary sealing ring and a housing, and along aradial sealing surface, between a primary sealing ring and a rotatingshaft or runner. The invention facilitates circumferential sealing whichminimizes heating along a radial sealing surface between a primarysealing ring and a rotating shaft or runner. The invention minimizescontact forces thereby reducing oil coolant requirements along a radialsealing surface between a primary sealing ring and a rotating shaft orrunner. The invention reduces contact forces thereby reducing oreliminating coolant needs along a radial sealing surface between aprimary sealing ring comprising ceramic and a rotating shaft or runner.Hydrostatic embodiments provide a self-adjusting force balance at theradial sealing surface.

The above and other objectives, features, and advantages of thepreferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent from thefollowing description read in connection with the accompanying drawings,in which like reference numerals designate the same or similar elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will beunderstood and will become more readily apparent when the invention isconsidered in the light of the following description made in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-section view illustrating a circumferentialseal from the prior art with exemplary pressure profiles and resultantforces thereon (housing components disposed about the seal not shown).

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-section view illustrating an improvedcircumferential seal assembly including a primary sealing ring, a secondsealing ring, a third sealing ring, and an insert disposed within ahousing whereby the primary sealing ring, the second sealing ring, theinsert and the housing are arranged to define a cavity disposed directlyabout the primary sealing ring and the second sealing ring, the thirdsealing ring and the insert are arranged to define another cavitydisposed directly about the second sealing ring and the third sealingring in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3a is a perspective view illustrating a seal segment comprising aprimary sealing ring whereby the seal segment includes a vertical feedgroove and an optional vent channel with outlet end adjacent to avertical groove in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3b is a side view illustrating an inlet side of the seal segmentwhereby the vertical feed groove is disposed about the inlet end of afirst channel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3c is a side view illustrating an outlet side of the seal segmentwhereby an optional pocket is disposed about the outlet end of the firstchannel and the inlet end to an optional second channel in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3d is a perspective view illustrating the outlet end of the secondchannel, the inlet end of the optional vent channel, and optional boreand annular grooves and seal bore dam along the bore surface of the sealsegment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3e is an enlarged cross-cross section view illustrating the pathwaypermitting fluid to flow from the inlet side to the outlet side of theseal segment whereby the pathway is formed by the vertical feed groove,the first channel, and the pocket in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 3f is an enlarged cross-section view illustrating the pathwaypermitting fluid to flow from the outlet side to the inner surface ofthe seal segment whereby the pathway is formed by the pocket and thesecond channel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3g is an enlarged cross-section view illustrating the pathwaypermitting fluid to flow from the inner surface to the outer surface ofthe seal segment whereby the pathway is formed by the vent channel inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4a is an enlarged cross-section view illustrating an anti-rotationpin extending into a pocket along the primary sealing ring in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4b is a side view illustrating several seal segments of the primarysealing ring with the anti-rotation pin extending into a pocket alongone seal segment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a joint and optional face andfeed grooves along the second sealing ring in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6a is an exploded view illustrating a portion of each of the thirdsealing ring, a back ring, and a retaining ring in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6b is an enlarged cross-section view illustrating engagementbetween the anti-rotation tab along the back plate and a slot along thethird sealing ring at the gap between ring segments in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-section view illustrating an improvedcircumferential seal assembly configured to sealingly engage an innercircumferential surface of a rotatable element whereby a plurality ofsprings directly contact both a primary sealing ring within therotatable element and an insert secured to a housing about the sealingassembly so that the springs bias the primary sealing ring in thedirection of the inner circumferential surface in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-section view illustrating an insert geometryshown integral with the housing in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-section view illustrating pressures andresultant forces communicated onto a primary sealing ring including afirst channel and a vent channel in accordance with a radial contactingembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10a is an upper cross-section view with lower side viewillustrating flow across a circumferential seal assembly disposedbetween a higher pressure side and a lower pressure side whereby aprimary sealing ring includes a first channel, a second channel or anoptional bearing slot, and a vent channel in accordance with ahydrostatic embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10b is cross-section view illustrating pressures and resultantforces communicated onto the primary sealing ring including the firstchannel, the second channel, and the vent channel in accordance with ahydrostatic embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11a is an upper cross-section view with lower side viewillustrating flow across a circumferential seal assembly disposedbetween a higher pressure side and a lower pressure side whereby aprimary sealing ring includes a first channel and a vent channel and arotatable element includes a plurality of hydrodynamic grooves inaccordance with a hydrodynamic embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11b is cross-section view illustrating pressures and resultantforces communicated onto the primary sealing ring including the firstchannel and the vent channel and the rotatable element includeshydrodynamic grooves in accordance with a hydrodynamic embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 12a is an exemplary plot illustrating axial load versus pressuredifferential for a contacting embodiment of the circumferential sealassembly of the present invention and a standard circumferential seal.

FIG. 12b is an exemplary plot illustrating radial load versus pressuredifferential for a contacting embodiment of the circumferential sealassembly of the present invention and a standard circumferential seal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of theinvention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawingsand the description to refer to the same or like parts. The drawings arein simplified form and are not to precise scale.

While features of various embodiments are separately described, it isunderstood that such features are combinable to form other embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a circumferential seal assembly 30 is showndisposed within a housing 35 about a rotatable element 52. Thecircumferential seal assembly 30 generally comprises a primary sealingring 31, a second sealing ring 32, a third sealing ring 33, and aninsert 34. Components for the circumferential seal assembly 30 aresecured within the housing 35 preferably via securing means understoodin the art, non-limiting examples including a back plate 41 and aretaining ring 42. Components of the circumferential seal assembly 30are composed of materials suitable for the intended applications,examples including but not limited to metals, ceramics, and non-metals,one further non-limiting example of the latter being carbon.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the circumferential seal assembly 30, housing35, and rotatable element 52 are aligned along and disposed about arotational axis 47, often coinciding with the rotational axis within aturbine engine. The rotatable element 52 is broadly defined to include arotatable shaft or the like with or without elements extendingtherefrom, one non-limiting example of the latter being a runner.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the circumferential seal assembly 30, housing35, and rotatable element 52 generally cooperate to define and separatea higher pressure side 36 and a lower pressure side 37. The housing 35is attached to structural components (not shown) of a turbine engine viamethods understood in the art so as to secure the circumferential sealassembly 30 therein. In this arrangement, the circumferential sealassembly 30 and housing 35 are non-rotating. The configuration of thehousing 35 is design dependent; however, it is understood for purposesof the present invention that the housing 35 cooperates with thecircumferential seal assembly 30 and the rotatable element 52 to definetwo separate compartments whereby one fluid, such as a lubricant,resides at a lower pressure within a compartment coinciding with thelower pressure side 37 and another fluid, such as a gas, resides at ahigher pressure within a compartment coinciding with the higher pressureside 36.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the primary sealing ring 31 is disposedwithin the housing 35 so as to sealingly engage the rotatable element 52along an outer surface thereof over a region referred to as the radialsealing surface 45. While the radial sealing surface 45 is shown alongthe outer circumferential surface 103 of the rotatable element 52, it isunderstood that the radial sealing surface 45 may be disposed along theinner diameter of a rotatable element 52 in other embodiments of theinvention. The primary sealing ring 31 also sealingly engages an insidesurface along the housing 35 over a region referred to as a face sealingsurface 46 adjacent to the lower pressure side 37. It is furtherunderstood that the face sealing surface 46 may be adjacent to anoptional windback 44 which extends from the housing 35 into the lowerpressure side 37. Sealing engagement is generally understood to mean anon-contact arrangement and/or a contact arrangement that limits,prevents, or controls the flow of fluids between the higher pressureside 36 and the lower pressure side 37. In preferred embodiments,sealing engagement may be implemented via a thin-film fluid layer. Inone specific example, the thin-film layer may be disposed along a gap 29between the primary sealing ring 31 and the rotatable element 52.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the primary sealing ring 31 has an outersurface and an inner surface. The outer circumferential surface of theprimary sealing ring 31 includes a spring groove 51. The spring groove51 accepts a garter spring 38 which urges or biases the primary sealingring 31 in the direction of the radial sealing surface 45. The innercircumferential surface of the primary sealing ring 31 includes a sealbore dam 48 and an annular groove 73. In preferred embodiments, the sealbore dam 48 is biased toward the third sealing ring 33 and away from thehousing 35.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the insert 34 directly contacts a portion ofthe inner surface of the housing 35. The insert 34 is a ring-shapedelement configured to contact and thereby to be securable within thehousing 35. A portion of the insert 34 forms an inward flange 27configured to extend toward but not contact the primary sealing ring 31.An O-ring 40 is positioned between the housing 35 and the insert 34 soas to prevent fluid from completely traversing the interfacetherebetween.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the second sealing ring 32 is positionedabout the primary sealing ring 31 and adjacent to the inward flange 27.The second sealing ring 32 sealingly engages a portion of the outercircumferential surface of the primary sealing ring 31. The secondsealing ring 32 also sealingly engages a portion of a face of the inwardflange 27. The second sealing ring 32 extends below the end of theinward flange 27 so as to contact the outer circumferential surface ofthe primary sealing ring 31.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the third sealing ring 33 is positioned so asto overlay one side of the primary sealing ring 31 and the secondsealing ring 32. The third sealing ring 33 is biased toward the primarysealing ring 31 via a plurality of compression springs 43. Eachcompression spring 43 is secured at one end within a pocket 55 along thethird sealing ring 33 and at another end within a pocket 28 along theback plate 41. In preferred embodiments, the compression spring 43ensures contact between the primary sealing ring 31 and the thirdsealing ring 33 and biases the primary sealing ring 31 toward the facesealing surface 46. This arrangement may or may not permit contactbetween the third sealing ring 33 and the second sealing ring 32. Theouter circumferential surface of the third sealing ring 33 furtherincludes a spring groove 50. The spring groove 50 accepts a garterspring 39 which urges or biases the third sealing ring 33 in thedirection of the radial sealing surface 45.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the housing 35 includes a groove 26 whichaccepts the retaining ring 42. The back plate 41 is a ring-shapedelement disposed between the retaining ring 42 and the third sealingring 33. The compression spring 43 secures the back plate 41 to theretaining ring 42 by pushing the back plate 41 into contact with theretaining ring 42. In this arrangement, the compression spring 43 shouldremain sufficiently compressible so that the third sealing ring 33 andthe primary sealing ring 31 are movable toward the back plate 41 inresponse to pressure forces at the face sealing surface 46. A gap 25 isprovided between the back plate 41 and the third sealing ring 33 toaccommodate axial displacements of the primary sealing ring 31 and thethird sealing ring 33 thereby permitting further compression of thecompression spring 43.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the insert 34, the second sealing ring 32,and the third sealing ring 33 are configured to cooperate to surround aregion referred to as a first cavity 53. The first cavity 53 iscommunicable with the higher pressure side 36 via the gap 25. The gap 25permits exchange of fluid between the first cavity 53 and the higherpressure side 36.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the primary sealing ring 31, the secondsealing ring 32, the insert 34, and the housing 35 are configured tocooperate to enclose a region referred to as a second cavity 54. Thesecond cavity 54 is communicable with the lower pressure side 37 via atleast one exhaust port 49 along the housing 35. The exhaust port 49 is ahole disposed through the housing 35 which permits exchange of fluidbetween the second cavity 54 and the lower pressure side 37.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the second sealing ring 32 and the insert 34are disposed between the first cavity 53 and the second cavity 54. Thisarrangement ensures separation between the first cavity 53 and thesecond cavity 54 thereby preventing fluids originating in the higherpressure side 36 from bypassing and negating the sealing function of thecircumferential seal assembly 30. However, it is understood that fluidmay slowly bleed across the interface formed between the second sealingring 32 and each of the primary sealing ring 31, the third sealing ring33, and the insert 34.

Referring now to FIG. 3a , the primary sealing ring 31 in FIG. 2 iscomprised of two or more seal segments 56 which in combination form aring-shaped structure referred to as a segmented ring. Each seal segment56 includes a vertical flange 58 at one end of a horizontal flange 57.This arrangement defines a generally L-shaped cross section for the sealsegment 56. The vertical flange 58 extends in an outward radialdirection from the horizontal flange 57. The vertical flange 58 and thehorizontal flange 57 are curved so as to form a ring-shaped verticalflange 58 and a ring-shaped horizontal flange 57 when two or more sealsegments 56 are combined. A first end 64 and a second end 65 of the sealsegment 56 may include features facilitating an interlocking engagementbetween adjoining seal segments 56. In some embodiments, the interlockmay be implemented by a tongue and a groove arrangement such as in FIG.3a ; however, it is understood that other interlocking means are alsoapplicable to the invention as generally illustrated by the first end 64and the second end 65 in FIGS. 3b -3 d.

Referring again to FIG. 3a , the seal segment 56 includes an inlet side61 and an outlet side 72. The inlet side 61 is disposed along thehorizontal flange 57 opposite of the vertical flange 58. The inlet side61 is oriented toward the higher pressure side 36 in FIG. 2. An outletside 72 is disposed along the vertical flange 58 opposite the horizontalflange 57. The outlet side 72 is oriented toward the lower pressure side37 in FIG. 2. At least one vertical feed groove 62 extends across aportion of the inlet side 61 from the inner surface 59. At least onevent channel 63 extends into the seal segment 56 from the outer surface60 adjacent to the intersection between the horizontal flange 57 and thevertical flange 58. A vertical groove 67 is positioned along thevertical flange 58 and is aligned with the vent channel 63.

Referring now to FIGS. 3b and 3c , the vertical feed groove 62 extendsoutward from the inner surface 59 in the direction of the outer surface60. The vertical feed groove 62 intersects one end of a first channel 66at the inlet side 61. Another end of the first channel 66 intersects theoutlet side 72. In preferred embodiments, the outlet side 72 has apocket 68 that intersects the first channel 66. At least one optionalsecond channel 69 may extend into the seal segment 56 from the outletside 72, preferably intersecting the pocket 68. The number, arrangement,and size of the first channel 66 and the second channel 69 are designdependent based on the flow requirements at the radial sealing surface45 and the face sealing surface 46.

Referring now to FIG. 3d , the inner surface 59 of the seal segment 56may include features which facilitate sealing along the radial sealingsurface 45. For example, the outlet of the second channel 69 mayintersect the inner surface 59, preferably at a pad 71. In anotherexample, a bore groove 70 may be interposed between adjoining pads 71.The bore groove 70 may also intersect the annular groove 73, the latterinterposed between the pads 71 and the seal bore dam 48. The arrangementbetween bore grooves 70 and annular groove 73 permits fluid from thelower pressure side 37 to pass under the seal segment 56.

Referring now to FIG. 3e , vertical feed groove 62, first channel 66,and pocket 68 are contiguous so as to form a pathway across the sealsegment 56 between the inlet side 61 and the outlet side 72. The sealbore dam 48 is interposed between the vertical feed groove 62 and theannular groove 73. The bore groove 70 and the annular groove 73 arecontiguous so as to form a pathway along the inner surface 59 across thevertical flange 58 and a portion of the horizontal flange 57.

Referring now to FIG. 3f , pocket 68 and second channel 69 arecontiguous so as to form a pathway across the seal segment 56 betweenthe outlet side 72 and the inner surface 59. Although the second channel69 is shown composed of intersecting linear segments, it is understoodthat the second channel 69 may consist of one or more linear ornonlinear cavities that permit flow of a fluid from the outlet side 72to the inner surface 59. While the first channel 66 and the secondchannel 69 may communicate with the same pocket 68, each of the firstchannel 66 and the second channel 69 is separately disposed within theseal segment 56. Therefore, it is understood that the arrangement of thefirst channel 66 in FIG. 3e and the second channel 69 in FIG. 3f permitsa fluid to pass through the first channel 66 before exiting into thepocket 68 where the fluid is then redirected into and through the secondchannel 69.

Referring now to FIG. 3g , a vent channel 63 forms a pathway across thehorizontal flange 57 of the seal segment 56 from the inner surface 59 tothe outer surface 60. In preferred embodiments, one end of the ventchannel 63 may intersect the annular groove 73 and the other end mayintersect the outer surface 60 adjacent to the spring groove 51. Thevent channel 63 facilitates venting of fluid otherwise communicated ontothe radial sealing surface 45. For example, the vent channel 63 permitsfluid communicated onto the inner surface 59 via the second channel 69or via the bore groove 70 into the annular groove 73 to traverse theseal segment 56 before entering the second cavity 54.

Referring now to FIGS. 4a and 4b , at least one anti-rotation pin 74 maybe disposed within the housing 35. The anti-rotation pin 74 is securedto the housing 35 via threaded or press fit engagement and positioned soas to extend into the housing 35 adjacent to the primary sealing ring31. The anti-rotation pin 74 extends into a pocket 75 disposed along aseal segment 56. The anti-rotation pin 74 mechanically engages the sealsegment 56 at the pocket 75 so as to prevent relative rotational motionbetween the primary sealing ring 31 and the housing 35. The pocket 75may be positioned along the seal segment 56 as shown in FIG. 4b orpositioned at or adjacent to a joint 87 between adjoining seal segments56.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the second sealing ring 32 is preferred to be acontiguous ring-shaped element with a single gap 80. The contiguousnessof the second sealing ring 32 restricts fluid from passing betweenjoints along the otherwise segmented third sealing ring 33. The gap 80facilitates expansion of the second sealing ring 32 during assembly ontoand disassembly from other components comprising the circumferentialseal assembly 30. The higher pressure side 78 of the second sealing 32may contact or nearly contact the third sealing ring 33, the latterillustrated by the gap 88 in FIG. 9. The gap 88 may be sized to themaximum wear along the primary sealing ring 31 at the face sealingsurface 46 over the anticipated lifetime of the primary sealing ring 31.In some embodiments, the second sealing ring 32 may sealingly engage thethird sealing ring 33.

Referring again to FIG. 5, it may be advantageous in some embodimentsfor the second sealing ring 32 to further include a face groove 77communicable with one or more feed grooves 76 at the lower pressure side79. The face groove 77 and feed groove 76 may be positioned along theinterface between the insert 34 and the second sealing ring 32, as shownin FIG. 2. This arrangement permits fluid within the first cavity 53 toflow in the face groove 77 via the feed groove(s) 76 so as to enhancesealing engagement between the insert 34 and the second sealing ring 32.It may also be advantageous to provide one or more pockets 101 along theinner circumferential surface of the second sealing ring 32, asgenerally represented in FIG. 2, to enhance sealing at the interfacewith the primary sealing ring 31.

Referring now to FIG. 6a , the third sealing ring 33 comprises at leasttwo ring segments 81 disposed in an end-to-end arrangement forming aring-shaped structure. The ends of adjoining ring segments 81 mayinclude interlockable features, such as described in FIGS. 3a and 3b ,at each joint 85. In preferred embodiments, the joints 85 along thethird sealing ring 33 are offset from the joints 87 along the primarysealing ring 31 to minimize leakage across the circumferential sealassembly 30.

Referring again to FIG. 6a , each ring segment 81 may include one ormore pockets 55 along a face adjacent to the back plate 41. The pocket55 accepts the compression spring 43 so that a portion of thecompression spring 43 partially extends from the pocket 55. Eachcompression spring 43 biases the third sealing ring 33 onto the primarysealing ring 31 and biases the back plate 41 onto the retaining ring 42as described in FIG. 2.

Referring now to FIGS. 6a and 2, each ring segment 81 has one or morebore grooves 82. The bore groove 82 traverses the ring segment 81 at theinner radial surface thereof. The bore groove 82 permits fluidoriginating in the higher pressure side 36 to traverse the ring segment81 before entering the primary sealing ring 31. Fluid within the boregroove 82 may oppose the inward force applied by the garter spring 39along the spring groove 50 thereby reducing the resultant load forcebetween the third sealing ring 33 and the radial sealing surface 45 orseparating the third sealing ring 33 from the radial sealing surface 45.

Referring again to FIGS. 6a and 2, the back plate 41 is a ring-shapedelement disposed between the third sealing ring 33 and the retainingring 42. The back plate 41 is arranged to permit indirect contact withthe third sealing ring 33 via the compression springs 43 and directcontact with the retaining ring 42. However, it is understood in someembodiments that the third sealing ring 33 may translate within thecircumferential seal assembly 30 so as to compress the compressionsprings 43 with or without contacting the back plate 41.

Referring now to FIGS. 6a, 6b and 2, the back plate 41 is preferred tonot rotate with respect to the circumferential seal assembly 30 and thehousing 35. The back plate 41 may include an anti-rotation tab 84 whichextends radially outward therefrom. The anti-rotation tab 84 engages acomplementary slot (not shown) along the housing 35 so as to preventrelative rotation between the back plate 41 and the circumferential sealassembly 30. The back plate 41 may also include an anti-rotation tab 83which extends axially from a face adjacent to the third sealing ring 33.The anti-rotation tab 83 may engage a slot 89 or the like at a gapbetween two adjoining ring segments 81 along the third sealing ring 33to prevent relative rotation between the third sealing ring 33 and theback plate 41.

Referring again to FIGS. 6a and 2, the retaining ring 42 is aring-shaped element with an end gap 86. The retaining ring 42 should besufficiently flexible so that the opening at the end gap 86 may beclosed thereby reducing the outer diameter of the retaining ring 42 forassembly onto the groove 26. The retaining ring 42 should also besufficiently resilient permitting the end gap 86 to return its originalshape when compressive forces are removed so that the retaining ring 42properly seats onto the groove 26.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the circumferential seal assembly 30 is showndisposed within a rotatable element 52 rotatable about a rotational axis47. In this embodiment, the rotatable element 52 is disposed about thecircumferential seal assembly 30 so that at least the primary sealingring 31 sealingly engages the inner circumferential surface 102 of therotatable element 52 along a region referred to as the radial sealingsurface 45 between a higher pressure side 36 and a lower pressure side37.

Referring again to FIG. 7, one or more compression springs 98 may bedisposed between each seal segment of the primary sealing ring 31 andthe insert 34. One end of a compression spring 98 may be recessed withinthe insert 34 so that a second end of the compression spring 98 extendstherefrom. The second end contacts the primary sealing ring 31 therebycommunicating a biasing force onto each segment in the direction of therotatable element 52. In this embodiment, the compression springs 98push the segments comprising the primary sealing ring 31 outward so thatthe primary sealing ring 31 favors expansion rather than contraction.The primary sealing ring 31, the second sealing ring 32, the thirdsealing ring 33, and the insert 34 cooperate to define the first cavity53 and the second cavity 54, as otherwise described herein.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the third sealing ring 33 in some embodimentsmay facilitate elimination of the back plate 41. The third sealing ring33 may be a ring-shaped, metal element with an inward face thatsealingly engages the primary sealing ring 31 and the second sealingring 32. A spring 97 may contact the outward face of the third sealingring 33. By way of example, the spring 97 may be a wave spring whichcontacts at one end the third sealing ring 33 and at another end theretaining ring 42. The retaining ring 42 is secured to the housing 35 asdescribed herein thereby allowing the spring 97 to push or bias thethird sealing ring 33 into engagement with the primary sealing ring 31.

Referring again to FIG. 7, optional retaining pins 99 may extend at oneend into the primary sealing ring 31 and at another end into the thirdsealing ring 33 about the interface therebetween. During assembly, thecompression springs 98 are seated onto the insert 34 and segmentscomprising the primary sealing ring 31 are placed about the compressionsprings 98. A compressive force is applied onto the compression springs98 via the sealing segments so as to properly align the segments withthe retaining pins 99. The retaining pins 99 engage cavities along thesealing segments so as to allow the retaining pins 99 to hold thesegments in place. Optional anti-rotation paddle pins (not shown) couldbe pressed into the seal housing 35 adjacent to the sealing face andaligned to engage the primary sealing ring 31. Both retaining pins 99and anti-rotation pins should permit the primary sealing ring 35 toexpand and contract as required to ensure proper sealing along theradial sealing surface 45.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the third sealing ring 33 is disposed aboutthe rotatable element 52 with an annular gap 100 therebetween. Thisarrangement is advantageous in that it avoids heating and wear along theouter surface of the third sealing ring 33 and along the innercircumferential surface 102. However, it is understood that an annulargap 100 may not be required in this and other embodiments of theinvention thereby permitting the third sealing ring 33 to contact therotatable element 52. By way of examples, a primary sealing ring 31 withtongue/socket joints may be used with a third sealing ring 33 with orwithout an annular gap 100, whereas a primary sealing ring 31 withradially overlapping joints would permit too much fluid to traverse thecircumferential seal assembly 30 thereby requiring contact between thethird sealing ring 33 and a rotatable element 52 along the radialsealing surface 45. Contacting arrangements may permit the third sealingring 33 to be composed of carbon or other material(s) suitable forcontact sealing.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the insert 34 in some embodiments may beintegral with the housing 35 rather than a separate component from thehousing 35. In these embodiments, the insert 34 may be a part of thehousing 35 or fixed to the housing 35 so as to be non-separabletherefrom. In the former embodiments, the insert 34 may be directlyformed onto the housing 35. In the latter embodiments, the insert 34 maybe fabricated separate from the housing 35 and then secured thereto viaa weld or other methods understood in the art. The inward flange 27extends toward the primary sealing ring 31 and cooperates with theprimary sealing ring 31, the second sealing ring 32, and the thirdsealing ring 33 to define the first cavity 53 and the second cavity 54,as otherwise described herein.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the insert 34 may complicate assembly of thecircumferential seal assembly 30 when the inner diameter of the inwardflange 27 is smaller than the outer diameter of the primary sealing ring31. In these embodiments, the primary sealing ring 31 is assembled ontothe housing 35 by inserting less than all segments of the primarysealing ring 31 into the housing 35. The garter spring 38 is placedabout the portion of the primary sealing ring 31 residing within thehousing 35. The remaining segment(s) of the primary sealing ring 31 arethen inserted into housing 35 and the garter spring 38 is expanded so asto accept each segment now properly positioned to complete the primarysealing ring 31. Thereafter, the garter spring 38 is released so as tocontract onto all seal segments thereby maintaining the ring shape ofthe primary sealing ring 31.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 2, pressures and pressure forces applied byfluid originating at the higher pressure side 36 are illustrated along aprimary sealing ring 31 that sealingly contacts the radial sealingsurface 45 and the face sealing surface 46. The pressure loading in FIG.9 is generally understood to be the pressure differential across thecircumferential seal assembly 30 (P₁−P₀) with applicable decay due toleakage where P₁ is the pressure within the higher pressure side 36 andP₀ is the pressure within the lower pressure side 37.

Referring again to FIGS. 9 and 2, the resultant force load at the radialsealing surface 45 is equal to the total of the spring force F₄ and theinward radial pressure force F₅ less the outward radial pressure forceF₆ for a primary sealing ring 31 designed to contact a radial sealingsurface 45. The spring force F₄ is applied onto the primary sealing ring31 via the garter spring 38. The inward radial pressure force F₅ isapplied onto the primary sealing ring 31 by the second sealing ring 32in response to fluid within the first cavity 53 acting on the secondsealing ring 32. The outward radial pressure force F₆ is applied ontothe primary sealing ring 31 by fluid at the vertical feed grooves 62 andthe seal bore dams 48.

Referring again to FIGS. 9 and 2, the resultant force load at the facesealing surface 46 is equal to the total of the aft axial pressure forceF₁ and the spring force F₂ less the forward axial pressure force F₃. Theaft axial pressure force F₁ is applied onto the primary sealing ring 31by the third sealing ring 33 in response to fluid within the gap 25acting on the third sealing ring 33. The spring force F₂ is applied ontothe primary sealing ring 31 via the compression springs 43. The forwardaxial pressure force F₃ is applied onto the primary sealing ring 31 byfluid communicated onto the face sealing surface 46 via the firstchannels 66.

Referring now to FIG. 10a , exemplary flow paths are shown through acircumferential seal assembly 30 whereby fluid originating at a higherpressure side 36 at a higher pressure P₁ is utilized for sealingpurposes before the same fluid exits the circumferential seal assembly30 and enters a lower pressure side 37 at a lower pressure P₀. Itunderstood that fluid communicated onto the face sealing surface 46 andthe radial sealing surface 45 may form a thin-film layer. The thin-filmlayer may enhance sealing function by the primary sealing ring 31disposed about the rotatable element 52 along a rotational axis 47 andreduce pressure forces along the primary sealing ring 31 at the facesealing surface 46 and the radial sealing surface 45.

Referring again to FIG. 10a , fluid from the higher pressure side 36passes through an annular opening between the retaining ring 42 and therotatable element 52 and another annular opening between the back plate41 and the rotatable element 52. The fluid then passes along the gap 25between the back plate 41 and the third sealing ring 33 before enteringthe first cavity 53. In some embodiments, fluid may then partially orcompletely traverse one or more interfaces between the second sealingring 32 and the insert 34, the third sealing ring 33 and the primarysealing ring 31 before entering the second cavity 54. It is understoodthat the flow rate, if any, between the first cavity 53 and the secondcavity 54 is substantially less than the flow rate across other portionsof the circumferential seal assembly 30.

Referring again to FIG. 10a , fluid also passes across the third sealingring 33 via the bore grooves 82 before entering the vertical feedgrooves 62. A portion of the fluid may pass under the seal bore dam 48and thereafter enter the annular groove 73. Fluid within the verticalfeed grooves 62 then enters and passes through the first channels 66before exiting into the pocket 68. A portion of the fluid within thepocket 68 may then separate and flow across the face sealing surface 46thereafter entering the second cavity 54 and the lower pressure side 37via an annular opening adjacent to the windback 44. Another portion ofthe fluid within the pocket 68 may then enter the second channels 69before exiting the primary sealing ring 31 along the pads 71. Fluidalong the pads 71 may then separate and flow between the bore surface 90along the primary sealing ring 31 and the radial sealing surface 45before either entering the annular groove 73 or passing into the lowerpressure side 37 adjacent to the windback 44. In some embodiments, fluidmay be communicated via the second channels 69 into the bore grooves 70along the seal segments 56 and/or optional bearing slots 91 along thebore surface 90.

Referring again to FIG. 10a , fluid within the annular groove 73 thenpasses into the vent channels 63 before exiting into the second cavity54. Fluid within the second cavity 54 passes through the exhaust port(s)49 along the housing 35 before entering the lower pressure side 37.

Referring now to FIGS. 10a, 10b and 2, pressures and pressure forcesapplied by fluid originating in the higher pressure side 36 areillustrated along a primary sealing ring 31 that sealingly engages theradial sealing surface 45 via a thin-film along the gap 29 and sealinglycontacts the face sealing surface 46. The pressure loading in FIG. 10bis generally understood to be the pressure differential across thecircumferential seal assembly 30 (P₁−P₀) with applicable decay due toleakage where P₁ is the pressure within the higher pressure side 36 andP₀ is the pressure within the lower pressure side 37.

Referring again to FIGS. 10b, 10a and 2, the resultant force load at theradial sealing surface 45 is equal to the total of the spring force F₄and the inward radial pressure force F₅ less the total of the outwardradial pressure force F₆ and the outward radial pressure force F₇. Thespring force F₄ is applied onto the primary sealing ring 31 via thegarter spring 38. The inward radial pressure force F₅ is applied ontothe primary sealing ring 31 by the second sealing ring 32 in response tofluid within the first cavity 53 acting on the second sealing ring 32.The outward radial pressure force F₆ is applied onto the primary sealingring 31 by fluid at the vertical feed grooves 62 and the seal bore dams48. The outward radial pressure force F₇ is applied onto the primarysealing ring 31 by fluid hydrostatically communicated at the pad 71 viathe second channels 69.

Referring again to FIGS. 10b, 10a and 2, the resultant force load at theface sealing surface 46 is equal to the total of the aft axial pressureforce F₁ and the spring force F₂ less the forward axial pressure forceF₃. The aft axial pressure force F₁ is applied onto the primary sealingring 31 by the third sealing ring 33 in response to fluid within the gap25 acting on the third sealing ring 33. The spring force F₂ is appliedonto the primary sealing ring 31 via the compression springs 43. Theforward axial pressure force F₃ is applied onto the primary sealing ring31 by fluid communicated onto the face sealing surface 46 via the firstchannels 66.

Referring now to FIG. 11a , exemplary flow paths are shown through acircumferential seal assembly 30 whereby fluid originating at a higherpressure side 36 at a higher pressure P₁ is utilized for sealingpurposes before the same fluid exits the circumferential seal assembly30 and enters a lower pressure side 37 at a lower pressure P₀. Itunderstood that fluid communicated onto the face sealing surface 46 andthe radial sealing surface 45 may form a thin-film layer enhancingsealing function by the primary sealing ring 31 along the rotatableelement 52, such as the runner disposed about a rotational axis 47 inFIG. 11a , and reducing pressure forces along the primary sealing ring31 at the face sealing surface 46 and the radial sealing surface 45.

Referring again to FIG. 11a , fluid from the higher pressure side 36passes through an annular opening between the retaining ring 42 and therotatable element 52 and another annular opening between the back plate41 and the rotatable element 52. The fluid then passes along the gap 25between the back plate 41 and the third sealing ring 33 before enteringthe first cavity 53. In some embodiments, fluid may then partially orcompletely traverse one or more interfaces between the second sealingring 32 and the insert 34, the third sealing ring 33 and the primarysealing ring 31 before entering the second cavity 54. It is understoodthat the flow rate, if any, between the first cavity 53 and the secondcavity 54 is substantially less than the flow rate across other portionsof the circumferential seal assembly 30.

Referring again to FIG. 11a , fluid also passes across the third sealingring 33 via the bore grooves 82 before entering the vertical feedgrooves 62. A portion of the fluid may pass under the seal bore dam 48and before entering the annular groove 73. Fluid within the verticalfeed grooves 62 then enters and passes through the first channels 66before exiting into the pocket 68. The fluid within the pocket 68 maythen separate and flow across the face sealing surface 46 thereafterentering the second cavity 54 and the lower pressure side 37 via anannular opening adjacent to the windback 44.

Referring again to FIG. 11a , the rotatable element 52 may include aplurality of hydrodynamic grooves 92 disposed along the radial sealingsurface 45. A first end 93 of the hydrodynamic groove 92 communicateswith fluid at the higher pressure side 36. The hydrodynamic groove 92 isoriented with respect to rotation of the rotatable element 52 so thatfluid is captured at the first end 93 thereafter traveling along thehydrodynamic groove 92 with increasing pressure. The fluid is thenredirected upward at a second end 94 of the hydrodynamic groove 92 ontothe primary sealing ring 31, preferably at the end with the pad 71.Fluid along the pads 71 may flow into the lower pressure side 37 and/orthe annular groove 73.

Referring again to FIG. 11a , fluid within the annular groove 73 thenpasses into the vent channels 63 before exiting into the second cavity54. Fluid within the second cavity 54 passes through the exhaust port(s)49 along the housing 35 before entering the lower pressure side 37.

Referring now to FIGS. 11b, 11a and 2, pressures and pressure forcesapplied by fluid originating in the higher pressure side 36 areillustrated along a primary sealing ring 31 that sealingly engages theradial sealing surface 45 via a thin-film along the gap 29 and sealinglycontacts the face sealing surface 46. The pressure loading in FIG. 11bis generally understood to be the pressure differential across thecircumferential seal assembly 30 (P₁−P₀) with applicable decay due toleakage where P₁ is the pressure within the higher pressure side 36 andP₀ is the pressure within the lower pressure side 37.

Referring again to FIGS. 11b, 11a and 2, the resultant force load at theradial sealing surface 45 is equal to the total of the spring force F₄and the inward radial pressure force F₅ less the total of the outwardradial pressure force F₆ and the outward radial pressure force F₇. Thespring force F₄ is applied onto the primary sealing ring 31 via thegarter spring 38. The inward radial pressure force F₅ is applied ontothe primary sealing ring 31 by the second sealing ring 32 in response tofluid within the first cavity 53 acting on the second sealing ring 32.The outward radial pressure force F₆ is applied onto the primary sealingring 31 by fluid at the vertical feed grooves 62 and the seal bore dams48. The outward radial pressure force F₇ is applied onto the primarysealing ring 31 by fluid hydrodynamically communicated at the pad 71 viathe hydrodynamic grooves 92.

Referring again to FIGS. 11b, 11a and 2, the resultant force load at theface sealing surface 46 is equal to the total of the aft axial pressureforce F₁ and the spring force F₂ less the forward axial pressure forceF₃. The aft axial pressure force F₁ is applied onto the primary sealingring 31 by the third sealing ring 33 in response to fluid within the gap25 acting on the third sealing ring 33. The spring force F₂ is appliedonto the primary sealing ring 31 via the compression springs 43. Theforward axial pressure force F₃ is applied onto the primary sealing ring31 by fluid communicated onto the face sealing surface 46 via the firstchannels 66.

Referring now to FIGS. 9, 10 b and 11 b, the resultant pressure force atthe face sealing surface 46 is adjusted via changes to the radial heightY of the primary sealing ring 31. The resultant pressure force increaseswhen the radial height Y is decreased by a radial adjustment ΔY causinga corresponding decrease to the forward axial pressure force F₃. Theresultant pressure force decreases when the radial height Y is increasedby a radial adjustment ΔY causing a corresponding increase to theforward axial pressure force F₃.

Referring now to FIG. 12a , the resultant pressure forces at the facesealing surface 46 are illustrated in exemplary form whereby axial unitload is plotted over a range of pressure differentials across a standardcircumferential seal such as in FIG. 1 and an improved contactingcircumferential seal such as in FIG. 2. The improved seal with a radialheight Y significantly reduces the axial unit load in comparison to thestandard seal whereby the reductions achievable by the improved seal aregreater at higher pressure differentials. The curves for radialadjustments±ΔY within an exemplary range demonstrate that the reductionin the axial load profile does not sacrifice the adjustability requiredto optimize the circumferential seal assembly 30 for particularapplications.

Referring again to FIGS. 9, 10 b and 11 b, the resultant pressure forceat the radial sealing surface 45 is adjusted via changes to the relativeposition of the second sealing ring 32 with respect to the seal bore dam48. Adjustments made to the second sealing ring 32 may requiredimensional and positional adjustments to the insert 34 so as tomaintain the proper sealing engagement therebetween.

Referring again to FIGS. 9, 10 b and 11 b, the magnitude of theresultant pressure force increases when the axial position of the secondsealing ring 32 is adjusted toward the lower pressure side 37. Theadjustment ΔX is implemented by reducing the axial distance between thesecond sealing ring 32 and the lower pressure side 37 so that the axialwidth X over which the inward radial pressure force F₅ acts isincreased. In one example, the second sealing ring 32 may be physicallymoved toward the lower pressure side 37 without adjustment to the axialwidth of the second sealing ring 32.

Referring again to FIGS. 9, 10 a and 10 b, the magnitude of theresultant pressure force decreases when the axial position of the secondsealing ring 32 is moved toward the higher pressure side 36. Theadjustment ΔX is implemented by increasing the axial distance betweenthe second sealing ring 32 and the lower pressure side 37 so that theaxial width X over which the inward radial pressure force F₅ acts isdecreased. In one example, the second sealing ring 32 may be physicallymoved toward the higher pressure side 36 without adjustment to the axialwidth of the second sealing ring 32.

Referring again to FIGS. 9, 10 a and 10 b, the face 95 of the secondsealing ring 32 is either aligned with the face 96 of the seal bore dam48 or closer to the higher pressure side 36 than the face 96 inpreferred embodiments so that an adjustment ΔX to the second sealingring 32 in the direction of the lower pressure side 37 decreases theaxial distance between the faces 95, 96 and so that an adjustment ΔX inthe direction of the higher pressure side 36 increases the axialdistance between the faces 95, 96.

Referring now to FIG. 12b , the resultant pressure force at the radialsealing surface 45 is illustrated in exemplary form whereby radial unitload is plotted over a range of pressure differentials across a standardcircumferential seal such as in FIG. 1 and an improved contactingcircumferential seal such as in FIG. 2. The improved seal significantlyreduces the radial unit load in comparison to the standard seal wherebythe reductions achievable by the improved seal are greater at higherpressure differentials. The curves for adjustments ΔX within anexemplary range demonstrate that the reduction in the radial loadprofile does not sacrifice the adjustability required to optimize thecircumferential seal assembly 30 for particular applications. It isunderstood from FIG. 12b that additional improvements are realized byinclusion of the hydrostatic lift in FIG. 10a and/or the hydrodynamiclift in FIG. 11 a.

The invention may be used within a variety of applications whereincircumferential sealing is required about a rotating surface to preventmigration of a fluid from one compartment into another compartment.Specific non-limiting examples are a turbine engine or an industrialequipment wherein a seal assembly is disposed along arotatable/translatable shaft or a runner between a compartment with afirst fluid and a compartment with a second fluid whereby mixing of thefluids would be detrimental to function of the engine or the equipment.

The description above indicates that a great degree of flexibility isoffered in terms of the present invention. Although various embodimentshave been described in considerable detail with reference to certainpreferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, thespirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to thedescription of the preferred versions contained herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A circumferential seal assembly for use between ahigher pressure side and a lower pressure side comprising: (a) a primarysealing ring disposed between a housing and a rotatable element, saidprimary sealing ring sealingly engages both a face sealing surface alongsaid housing and a radial sealing surface along said rotatable element,said primary sealing ring includes at least two seal segments; (b) aninsert disposed between said primary sealing ring and said housing sothat said insert directly contacts said housing, said insert includes anoutward flange configured to extend toward but not contact said primarysealing ring; (c) a second sealing ring disposed within said primarysealing ring, said second sealing ring and said outward flange partiallyoverlap so that said second sealing ring sealingly engages a faceportion of said outward flange, said second sealing ring portion notoverlapping said outward flange extends toward and sealingly engages acircumferential surface of said primary sealing ring; and (d) a thirdsealing ring which contacts and sealingly engages said primary sealingring, said second sealing ring disposed between said outward flange andsaid third sealing ring, said third sealing ring includes at least tworing segments; wherein said insert, said second sealing ring, and saidthird sealing ring define a first cavity adjacent to said second sealingring and said third sealing ring; said primary sealing ring, said secondsealing ring, said outward flange, and said housing define a secondcavity adjacent to said primary sealing ring; said outward flange andsaid second sealing ring cooperate to separate said first cavity fromsaid second cavity.
 2. The circumferential seal assembly of claim 1,wherein said rotatable element being a shaft.
 3. The circumferentialseal assembly of claim 1, wherein said rotatable element being a runnerdisposed along a shaft.
 4. The circumferential seal assembly of claim 1,wherein said first cavity being at a higher pressure and said secondcavity being at a lower pressure.
 5. The circumferential seal assemblyof claim 1, wherein a fluid traverses said radial sealing surfaceadjacent to said third sealing ring before entering said primary sealingring.
 6. The circumferential seal assembly of claim 1, wherein saidhousing includes at least one exhaust port which permits said fluid toexit said second cavity.
 7. The circumferential seal assembly of claim1, wherein a fluid originating from said higher pressure side traversessaid first cavity and passes around said second sealing ring beforeentering said second cavity.
 8. The circumferential seal assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said third sealing ring being biased in the directionof said primary sealing ring via a spring.
 9. The circumferential sealassembly of claim 8, wherein said spring being a wave spring.
 10. Thecircumferential seal assembly of claim 8, wherein an annular gapdisposed between said third sealing ring and said rotatable element. 11.The circumferential seal assembly of claim 8, wherein said third sealingring comprises a metal.
 12. The circumferential seal assembly of claim1, wherein a plurality of retaining pins extend at one end into saidprimary sealing ring and at another end into said third sealing ring.13. The circumferential seal assembly of claim 1, wherein said primarysealing ring being biased outward in direction of said rotatable elementvia a plurality of springs.
 14. The circumferential seal assembly ofclaim 13, wherein a plurality of retaining pins extends at one end intosaid primary sealing ring and at another end into said third sealingring.
 15. The circumferential seal assembly of claim 14, wherein saidsprings permit proper alignment of said seal segments of said primarysealing ring to accept said retaining pins.
 16. The circumferential sealassembly of claim 1, where said insert being integral with said housing.17. A circumferential seal assembly for use between a higher pressureside and a lower pressure side comprising: (a) a primary sealing ringdisposed between a housing and a rotatable element, said primary sealingring sealingly engages both a face sealing surface of said housing and aradial sealing surface of said rotatable element, said primary sealingring includes at least two seal segments; (b) a ring-shaped insertdisposed between said primary sealing ring and said housing, saidring-shaped insert one of either contacting said housing or beingintegral with said housing, a portion of said ring-shaped insert formingan outward flange extending toward but not contacting said primarysealing ring; (c) a second sealing ring positioned within said primarysealing ring, said second sealing ring sealingly engaging a portion of aface of said outward flange, said second sealing ring extending past anend of said outward flange so as to contact an inner circumferentialsurface of said primary sealing ring; and (d) a third sealing ring whichcontacts and sealingly engages said primary sealing ring opposite ofsealing engagement with said housing, said second sealing ring beingdisposed between said outward flange and said third sealing ring;wherein said ring-shaped insert, said second sealing ring, and saidthird sealing ring define a first cavity adjacent to said second sealingring and said third sealing ring; said primary sealing ring, said secondsealing ring, said outward flange, and said housing define a secondcavity adjacent to said primary sealing ring; said outward flange andsaid second sealing ring cooperate to separate said first cavity fromsaid second cavity.
 18. The circumferential seal assembly of claim 17,wherein said rotatable element being a shaft.
 19. The circumferentialseal assembly of claim 17, wherein said rotatable element being a runnerdisposed along a shaft.
 20. The circumferential seal assembly of claim17, wherein, in use, said first cavity is suitable to be at a higherpressure and said second cavity is suitable to be at a lower pressure.21. The circumferential seal assembly of claim 17, wherein a fluid maytraverse, in use, said radial sealing surface adjacent to said thirdsealing ring before said primary sealing ring.
 22. The circumferentialseal assembly of claim 17, wherein said housing includes at least oneexhaust port.
 23. The circumferential seal assembly of claim 17, whereina fluid originating from said higher pressure side may traverse, in use,said first cavity and pass around said second sealing ring beforeentering said second cavity.
 24. The circumferential seal assembly ofclaim 17, wherein said third sealing ring being biased in the directionof said primary sealing ring via a spring, said spring being disposedbetween and contacts said third sealing ring and a retaining ringsecured to said housing.
 25. The circumferential seal assembly of claim24, wherein said spring being a wave spring.
 26. The circumferentialseal assembly of claim 24, wherein an annular gap being disposed betweensaid third sealing ring and said rotatable element.
 27. Thecircumferential seal assembly of claim 24, wherein said third sealingring comprises a metal.
 28. The circumferential seal assembly of claim17, wherein said primary sealing ring being biased outward in directionof said rotatable element via a plurality of springs.
 29. Thecircumferential seal assembly of claim 28, wherein a plurality ofretaining pins extends at one end into said primary sealing ring and atanother end into said third sealing ring.
 30. The circumferential sealassembly of claim 29, wherein said springs permit proper alignment ofsaid seal segments of said primary sealing ring to accept said retainingpins.
 31. A circumferential seal assembly for use between a higherpressure side and a lower pressure side comprising: (a) a primarysealing ring disposed within a housing along a rotatable element, saidprimary sealing ring sealingly engages both a face sealing surface alongsaid housing and a radial sealing surface along said rotatable element,said primary sealing ring includes at least two seal segments; (b) aring-shaped insert secured within and one of either contacting saidhousing or being integral with said housing, a portion of saidring-shaped insert forming an inward flange extending toward but notcontacting said primary sealing ring; (c) a second sealing ringpositioned about said primary sealing ring, said second sealing ringsealingly engaging a portion of a face of said inward flange, saidsecond sealing ring extending below an end of said inward flange so asto contact an outer circumferential surface of said primary sealingring; and (d) a third sealing ring which contacts and sealingly engagessaid primary sealing ring opposite of sealing engagement with saidhousing, said second sealing ring being disposed between said inwardflange and said third sealing ring; wherein said ring-shaped insert,said second sealing ring, and said third sealing ring define a firstcavity adjacent to said second sealing ring and said third sealing ring;said primary sealing ring, said second sealing ring, said inward flange,and said housing define a second cavity adjacent to said primary sealingring; said inward flange and said second sealing ring cooperate toseparate said first cavity from said second cavity.
 32. Thecircumferential seal assembly of claim 31, wherein said rotatableelement being a shaft.
 33. The circumferential seal assembly of claim31, wherein said rotatable element being a runner disposed along ashaft.
 34. The circumferential seal assembly of claim 31, wherein, inuse, said first cavity is suitable to be at a higher pressure and saidsecond cavity is suitable to be at a lower pressure.
 35. Thecircumferential seal assembly of claim 31, wherein said primary sealingring includes a seal bore dam biased toward said third sealing ring,said seal bore dam sealingly engages said radial sealing surface. 36.The circumferential seal assembly of claim 31, wherein a fluid maytraverse, in use, said radial sealing surface adjacent to said thirdsealing ring before entering said primary sealing ring.
 37. Thecircumferential seal assembly of claim 31, wherein each said sealsegment includes at least one vertical feed groove disposed along aninlet side and at least one first channel that traverses said sealsegment between said inlet side and an outlet side, said vertical feedgroove and said first channel permit a fluid originating from saidhigher pressure side to traverse said seal segment so as to impinge saidface sealing surface.
 38. The circumferential seal assembly of claim 37,wherein each said seal segment includes at least one pocket at saidoutlet side communicable with at least one said first channel.
 39. Thecircumferential seal assembly of claim 38, wherein each said sealsegment includes at least one second channel communicable at one endwith said pocket, said second channel permits said fluid to reenter saidseal segment for communication at another end of said second channelonto said radial sealing surface.
 40. The circumferential seal assemblyof claim 39, wherein a plurality of hydrodynamic grooves disposed alongsaid radial sealing surface adjacent to said primary sealing ring, saidhydrodynamic grooves redirect said fluid exiting said second channelonto said primary sealing ring.
 41. The circumferential seal assembly ofclaim 39, wherein said seal segment includes at least one vent channelcommunicable at one end with said radial sealing surface and at anotherend with said second cavity, said vent channel permits said fluid totraverse said seal segment before entering said second cavity.
 42. Thecircumferential seal assembly of claim 41, wherein said housing includesat least one exhaust port, said exhaust port permits said fluid to exitsaid second cavity.
 43. The circumferential seal assembly of claim 37,wherein a plurality of hydrodynamic grooves disposed along said radialsealing surface adjacent to said primary sealing ring, said hydrodynamicgrooves direct said fluid onto said primary sealing ring.
 44. Thecircumferential seal assembly of claim 43, wherein said seal segmentincludes at least one vent channel communicable at one end with a gapinterposed between said seal segment and said radial sealing surface andat another end with said second cavity, said vent channel permits saidfluid to traverse said seal segment and enter said second cavity. 45.The circumferential seal assembly of claim 44, wherein said housingincludes at least one exhaust port, said exhaust port permits said fluidto exit said second cavity.
 46. The circumferential seal assembly ofclaim 31, wherein a gap being interposed between said second sealingring and said third sealing ring.
 47. The circumferential seal assemblyof claim 31, wherein a fluid originating from said higher pressure sidemay traverse, in use, said first cavity and pass around said secondsealing ring before entering said second cavity.
 48. The circumferentialseal assembly of claim 31, wherein said seal segment includes a verticalflange at one end of a horizontal flange, said vertical flange sealinglyengages said face sealing surface.
 49. The circumferential seal assemblyof claim 31, wherein said radial sealing surface being disposed along anouter circumferential surface of said rotatable element.